Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1896-01-13 letter to Bertha Elizabeth LambertEntry/Object ID
1990.1.78Context
[Ada, OH, to Miss Bertha Lambert, Westerville, Ohio, “Franklin Co.”]
Ada, O. Jan. 1896.
Miss Lambert,
Westerville, O.
My Darling Bertha: Although it is past 11 P.M. yet I shall pen a few lines tonight as tomorrow will be an unusually busy day. Your sweet message came at the usual time and gave the usual inspiration.
I know you are busy now too from the amt. of work you have. I was somewhat surprised at your decision concerning the music, but I do not blame you for not wanting to pay full tuition for half work. While I would be very much pleased indeed to have you spend considerable time with your music, but quite likely in your case the plan you suggested would be a good one {ie} wait a little while and then take music alone. I certainly admire the earnestness you exhibit in carrying on your school work despite your inconveniences. It simply shows more clearly your true worth and capability, but let me admonish you “Dear” as in the past not to be so desirous of an education as to injure your health in any way. With the disposition which you have I cannot estimate what a loving and truly helpful companion you will be, but do not feel that you are to enslave yourself in your work to the extent above mentioned. You have a nice list of studies and I hope that you may be given strength to continue your work successfully. I spoke about seeing you in eight wks. Well you know I would like to see you every wk. but cannot do so. Perhaps I should not make any rash promises as to the time of our visit. I want to attend the Y.M.C.A. Convention an Mansfield, but I assure you “Dear” that so soon as possible I will be with you again.
My heart almost bleeds for your presence, and I know that such a tender and affectionate one as yourself must experience something of the same emotion and I sometimes think that perhaps I am not able to fathom the depths of your soul sufficiently to know when really I do wrong you.
I should like very much to attend the Anti Saloon Con. at Col., but shall not do so. I hope you may hear some of the addresses. A letter from Leonard today states that he and Seth are in school. Leonard is now Pres. of Y.P.C.U. and teacher of young people's class in S.S. He seems to have made a decided stand and I feel pretty sure Carlos and Charles will do the same. The meetings are in progress in three of the churches here, but I have not attended any yet and it is doubtful about getting to do so. Yes I trust that we may both be baptized with the holy Spirit. This term ends my work in the Y.M.C.A. I have a great deal of work to do in that line this term. It has been a great blessing to me. I thank you very much for that Bible outline and will copy it at my earliest convenience.
There are many other things I would like to say but I know that you will pardon for such a short and untidy letter when I tell you that I am weary and sleepy. I think after another one or two visits with you our bond will be so united that you could not keep me from W. despite Prof. Miller and mathematics. May God keep you my “Love.”
10 derly, Yours,
J. H. Harris.(over)
Can you give information, or address, perhaps from Telescope, of some one where I may get a general idea of the mission work, both foreign and home, of our church, as I wish to study the field of the work, present, past and prospect for the future. I will try to do as much for you sometime. [J.H.H.]
